Davis told Brooke Cersosimo of NFL Media he will step away from the game after the 2018 season.

Prior to the start of 2017, he signed a one-year extension to remain with the team through next season.

"As a father, I want to be able to spend as much time with them as I possibly can - and being an National Football League player, that's not always the case", Davis said. "Like, 'This is how long they want me here for, this is how much time I have to dedicate to this organization to try to win the Super Bowl'". He was named the Walter Payton Man of the Year in 2014 for his off-field work. He overcame a trio of torn ACLs in his right knee to play 93 games over the last six seasons, earning Pro Bowl honors in 2015 and 2016.

He tore his ACL three different times, and he became the first professional athlete to return and play after three ACL tears.

After the Panthers lost to the New Orleans Saints in the playoffs last weekend, Davis said he expects to have a reduced role in 2018 as Shaq Thompson gets more time.